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| The Inquisition in Goa, India, heraldgoa.in |
Above image; Goa was under the Portuguese for 451 years. It was more of theocratic rule under the Jesuits than a democratic rule. It was dark chapter in Goa's earliest colonial history.........
The Goa Inquisition, which lasted from 1560 to 1812, was a period of intense religious persecution aimed primarily at Hindus, Muslims, and converted Christians suspected of retaining or reverting to their former beliefs. The Inquisition was initiated by the Portuguese colonial authorities with the primary purpose of enforcing Catholic orthodoxy among the population in the territories they controlled. The tribunal was established by the Roman Catholic Church, under the orders of King John III of Portugal, and became notorious for its brutal suppression of non-Catholic practices.
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| St. Francis is baptizing infidels, |
Persecution of Indian Christians during the Goa Inquisition
The Goan Christian community was not spared, as the Inquisition targeted both newly converted Christians (neophytes) and established Christian families. Although it might seem paradoxical, even those who had converted were often suspected of secretly adhering to their previous Hindu or Muslim customs. The Inquisition targeted these "crypto-Hindus" and "crypto-Muslims," individuals accused of outwardly professing Christianity while privately practicing their old religions.
1. Restrictions on Cultural and Social Practices:
Ban on Local Customs and Traditions: The Goan Inquisition attempted to root out customs and practices associated with the local culture. For instance, wearing traditional Indian clothing, including the sari for women or the dhoti for men, using local greetings (like "Namaste"), or participating in Hindu rituals were treated as heretical offenses. Many Christian families continued to honor their ancestors in private, maintain small altars at home, and follow traditional restrictions, which could lead to their persecution.
Marriage Customs and Rituals: The Inquisition forbade practices such as the observance of Mangalsutra (a sacred Hindu wedding necklace), the exchange of betel leaves (a Hindu wedding custom), and participation in non-Christian marriage rites. If a Christian family was found observing these rites, they were accused of apostasy and heresy.
2. Anti-Hindu Legislation and Discrimination:
Destruction of Temples and Shrines: Churches were often built over demolished temples, and Christians suspected of retaining any link to these religious sites faced severe penalties. Properties of those who were accused could be confiscated, and families ostracized.
Ban on Speaking Konkani or Sanskrit: Speaking local languages such as Konkani or Sanskrit was seen as an act of resistance against Portuguese rule and Catholicism. Portuguese was promoted as the only acceptable language for Christians, with severe punishments for using native languages in religious or familial contexts.
Suppression of Syncretic Practices:
Many converts in Goa continued to observe a syncretic form of Christianity that blended elements of their pre-Christian beliefs. These included the observance of Hindu festivals (like Diwali or Holi) in private, use of local icons, or consulting Brahmin priests in times of need. Such practices were viewed as heretical, leading to interrogation, imprisonment, and, in some cases, death sentences.
4. Censorship and Book Burnings:
The Inquisition also enforced strict censorship on religious literature. Palm-leaf manuscripts and religious texts that belonged to Hindu, Muslim, or other Indian traditions were confiscated and burned. Many libraries and private collections were destroyed, and anyone found in possession of these materials faced imprisonment.
5. Torture and Public Punishments:
Indian Christians suspected of practicing "idolatry" or heresy were subjected to public humiliation, torture, and severe punishments. The Inquisition's methods included:
Water Torture (where the accused were forced to drink large quantities of water until they nearly drowned).
The Rack (where limbs were stretched to elicit confessions).
Burning at the Stake: Although less common for Christians, this ultimate punishment was meted out to some, especially if they were deemed unrepentant heretics.
6. Displacement and Forced Re-Conversion:
Entire villages in the territories of Goa, Bassein, and other Portuguese-occupied areas were subject to forced conversions. Those who refused were either driven out, punished, or forcibly converted to Christianity. Even those who had embraced Christianity voluntarily were at risk of being punished if they were accused of secretly reverting to their old faiths or practices.
Impact and Legacy
The Goa Inquisition left deep scars on the region. Many Goan Christians fled to territories controlled by other European powers or deeper into India to escape persecution. The Inquisition created a climate of fear and suspicion, pitting neighbor against neighbor, and leading to widespread distrust within the Christian community.
The memory of this persecution has remained vivid among the descendants of those affected, and the Inquisition is considered one of the darkest chapters of Portuguese colonial history in India.
https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/2015/Sep/03/goa-inquisition-809153.html
https://www.navrangindia.in/2018/03/goa-inquisition-how-hindus-were.html
https://www.indiafacts.org.in/the-portuguese-inquisition-in-goa-a-brief-history/
https://www.britannica.com/story/how-did-st-francis-xavier-shape-catholicism
